A talented young middle distance athlete from Swaffham was selected by double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes to take part in a recent 'Future Stars with Kelly' Education Day at Loughborough College.

Fifteen-year-old Aaron Pitt, who competes for City of Norwich AC, attended the day with his coach David Pring and father Paul.

A total of 65 athletes, 44 coaches and 70 parents from all over the UK took part in the Education Day which aimed to educate them about the preparation needed ahead of the summer athletics season.

Pitt was invited to the prestigious event as a result of his performance at recent Aviva English Schools Championships. He won the Junior 400m at the 2010 championships having taken silver in the Junior 800m in 2009 and is aiming to win again in the Intermediate age group this year. He also won the England Under-15 400m title last year.

Dame Kelly said: 'The 'Future Stars with Kelly' Education Days are an excellent opportunity for me to share my knowledge and experiences with the young athletes like Aaron and to help them on their journey through school, junior and onto senior athletics. It is great to see that 'Future Stars with Kelly' is going from strength to strength and is having a positive effect on all those who attend.

'Education about the sport is a hugely underestimated part of a young athlete's development process, which is why I am so passionate about providing it through a structured and inspirational programme which also supports their coaches and parents.

'This has been proven to great effect with my Aviva-sponsored 'On Camp with Kelly' initiative, which has successfully educated and mentored a number of talented young middle distance runners through their formative years, assisting them to make the transition from junior to senior athletics. Some of the 'On Camp with Kelly' athletes were present at the Education Day to pass on their knowledge and experience.'

The athletes, coaches and parents took part in a selection of educational workshops on topics such as nutrition, media training and preparation for the season. The athletes also took part in an aqua-jogging session led by Dame Kelly and a session on calf and ankle strengthening exercises with Kelly's former physiotherapist Alison Rose.

Coaches were able to attend a workshop on the Female Athlete Triad, a topic it is vitally important they understand when coaching female athletes, and there were specific workshops for parents.

Pitt said: 'I really enjoyed the whole day and learnt a lot about the importance of good nutrition.'